2023 Founders Donald
A tribute to the founder of our estate vineyard, Donald D. Miller, who planted our first vines in 1968.
Tasting Notes
This small-batch, limited-production Chardonnay is finely balanced and medium-bodied with expressive aromas of poached pear, lemon curd, and salted butterscotch, accented by subtle notes of roasted pecan. The palate is rich and layered, revealing flavors of peach nectar and honeycomb, with delicate touches of marzipan and toasted marshmallow. A soft, well-integrated acidity provides freshness and lift, while creamy French oak lingers on the finish.
Awards
2022 Vintage
93 Points, Paul Gregutt
90 Points, Vinous
--------
2021 Vintage
90 Points, Paul Gregutt
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
--------
2020 Vintage
92 Points, Vinous
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Washington State was what we like to call a “normal” year. A mild winter gave way to a cool early spring, followed by record-high temperatures in mid-April that jump-started vine growth. Steady spring weather allowed for healthy development and well-balanced crop loads. June and July brought intense heat (among the hottest on record) speeding up ripening and leading to slightly lower acidity. Despite the rapid pace, 2023 produced an exceptional vintage. The whites are vibrant with tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the reds show depth, dark berry flavors, refined tannins, and great aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
Crafted from the finest Chardonnay blocks of our estate vineyard, this wine reflects precise vineyard management aimed at low yields and concentrated flavor. Harvested at peak ripeness in early October, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed and cold settled for 72 hours before being racked to 100% new French oak 500L puncheons for fermentation and aging. A select yeast strain was used, with fermentation maintained between 55–64°F over four weeks to encourage slow, extended development. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation under close supervision to avoid excessive buttery notes. Lees stirring was performed bi-monthly for four months to enhance texture and complexity. Aged on lees for 11 months, the wine was then racked, stabilized, and prepared for bottling.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal by-products were used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
Spring Vegetable Risotto
Gnocchi with Brown-Butter and Sage Sauce
Seared Pork Chops & Gremolata
Roast Chicken or Turkey with Herbs
Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter
Seafood Bisque, Corn Chowder, or Butternut Squash Soup
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 11 months in 100% new French oak
- Cases Produced: 154 cases
- Alcohol: 13.1%
- pH: 3.55
- Acidity: 5.6 g/L
- Ageability: Drink now through 2038 with optimal maturity around 2032.